Publications
Archaeology, Wage Labor, and Kinship in Rural Mexico, 1934–1974
State-run archaeology at El Tajín provided Indigenous Totonac workers with unprecedented opportunities for income and social mobility during the 20th century, despite broader trends of dispossession. Analysis of governmental payroll records from 1934 to 1974 reveals that wage labor in archaeology offered regular cash income and skill development, countering the decline of traditional agriculture. However, access to these opportunities was uneven, dependent on intermediaries and kinship networks, which reinforced socioeconomic stratification. The study underscores the dual role of state archaeology—both as an economic lifeline for rural communities and a reflection of broader regional dynamics.
Nuevos usos del patrimonio arqueológico de el tajín, a través de los procesos de turistificación, mercantilización y espectacularización
Archaeological heritage sites, including El Tajín in Veracruz, Mexico, are increasingly transformed into administrable resources through processes of touristification, commercialization, and spectacularization. These changes redefine their economic value and local significance while impacting surrounding communities. The study employs ethnographic analysis to reveal how El Tajín's heritage has been repurposed for tourism, highlighting its broader implications on both the site and its inhabitants.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > El Tajin, Pre-Hispanic City